What Is Hacking?
Hacking is the act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems, including smartphones, tablets, IoT devices and networks. Hacking can be used for malicious purposes such as installing malware, stealing or destroying data, and disabling systems. It can also be done for ethical reasons such as finding software vulnerabilities.
A common view of hackers is that of a lone rogue programmer working out of his bedroom, hacking into major corporations and government agencies to steal sensitive personal information or other assets. However, the truth is that hackers are highly skilled and can use a variety of tactics to bypass cybersecurity software and hardware. In addition to relying on technical weaknesses, such as coding flaws or social weakness (tricking people into opening infected attachments and links), hackers are adept at using advanced attack vectors that can go undetected by cybersecurity tools and even experienced cyber security teams.
One example is the “no-operation” sled attack, where the hacker will place a piece of code in a memory location where the CPU will most likely execute it — and then jump to the next instruction without ever executing the first one. This will eventually cause the CPU to crash or stop operating completely, giving the hacker full control of the system.
Black hat hackers are the bad guys of the hacking scene, and they usually carry out their attacks for financial gain (stealing credit card information) or to hurt businesses and organizations through corporate espionage or as part of nation state hacking campaigns. Some are motivated by a desire to get revenge on individuals or organizations that wronged them. Finally, there are hacktivists, who promote their political agenda by leaking information via hacks.